Preview: England vs. Germany - prediction, team news, lineups

England, Germany are only playing for pride when they complete League A Group 3 at the UEFA Nations League at Wembley Stadium Monday night.

After a 1-0 loss to Italy, the Three Lions were relegated to League B. Hansi Flick's men suffered a defeat to Hungary by the same scoreline.

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Many refer to the current England crop, often referred to as the "golden generation", which is not surprising given the wealth of attacking and young talent on display at domestic level. However, the Three Lions are currently on their worst goalscoring run in 22 years.

The much-maligned Gareth Southgate saw his side fail to score in open play in a 1-0 loss to Italy at San Siro. Last time out, Napoli forward Giacomo Raspadori came up with a stunning winner for the Azzurri and sealed England's relegation into League B.

After five games in League A, Group 3, Southgate's team is still winless. Their lone goal in the tournament has been a Harry Kane penalty. This is unacceptable for a footballing nation this size.

It would be an understatement to say that morale will be low going into the World Cup. The Three Lions boss was not kind to the #SouthgateOut brigade, claiming that Friday's performance was a step in the right direction.

England's first winless streak in five games in 2014 and the failure to score in open play in 495 minutes is not something to celebrate. However, a return to Wembley may be the best thing for England. The Euro 2020 runners up are unbeaten in 15 games at their headquarters, winning 13 of them.

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England and Germany were expected to be involved with a three-way, tense battle for the top spot in League A Group 3. But Hungary are now enjoying the sunset after defeating Hansi Flick's team 1-0. The Three Lions were defeated in Italy.

One moment of backheel magic by Adam Szalai in 17 minutes was all it took to sink Germany in Leipzig. Die Mannschaft, who are two points behind Italy in third, can now only finish second in their Nations League group.

Flick's team lost 5-2 to the European champions in June. Flick's team has also been shockingly poor in the Nations League. They failed to win any of their four other games or keep a clean score. Die Mannschaft is yet to reach the final four.

Germany lost to Hungary in the first competition since Euro 2020. The visitors to Wembley have only managed one win in their seven Nations League away matches since the competition's inception. Each time, they conceded at least one goal.

Before being overthrown by Szalai at the end of the 2015-16 season, Germany suffered a 2-0 Euro 2020 loss to England at Wembley. The two sides also played out a 1-1 draw in the Nations League earlier in the year. This was the only time the Three Lions have ever made the net ripple in 2022-23.

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Southgate took the bold decision to leave Ivan Toney, Ben Chilwell and Marc Guehi out of his squad for the trip to San Siro, but all three have made the cut here, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fikayo Tomori, Jarrod Bowen and James Ward-Prowse missing out instead.

John Stones will also be returning from a ban from the win over Italy. Jack Grealish is currently serving a suspension. Southgate is optimistic that Jordan Henderson can play some part on Monday while he recovers from a hamstring injury. However, the Liverpool man may not have been considered for a start.

Bukayo Saka notably struggled to adapt to his left-wing back role at San Siro, and Southgate will of course ponder plenty of changes this week, with Aaron Ramsdale, Kieran Trippier, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount among those ready to provide fresh legs.

Germany also lost its Bayern Munich stalwarts Leon Goretzka, and Manuel Neuer, prior to the loss of Hungary. Julian Brandt was also forced out of the camp due to a different illness.

Real Madrid centre-back Antonio Rudiger received his second booking for the tournament on Friday. He will not be present here. Thilo Karer, Nico Schlotterbeck, or Matthias Ginter will fill his place. However, Germany has not been affected by any new injuries in Leipzig.

Kai Havertz is expected to force his way into this first XI. Jamal Musiala, who was unable to succeed last time out due to the Bayern-based Mannschaft attack, and Timo Werner being ineffective, can also expect to impress, having snubbed England to represent Germany at senior levels.

England possible starting line-up:Ramsdale, Stones, Dier and Maguire; Trippier Rice, Bellingham, Chilwell, Mount Kane, Sterling

Germany possible starting line-up:Ter Stegen, Hofmann, Sule. Schlotterbeck. Raum; Kimmich. Gundogan; Musiala. Muller. Sane.

England and Germany both know that Monday's outcome will not matter. This means that they can afford to play with the handbrake on. Both countries can expect a lot of changes.

Southgate's failure to score again from open play would cause discontent at Wembley for his men. We do expect the Three Lions will finally end their barren run against a Germany team that has suffered many disappointments on the road.

It is difficult to back England with any confidence. Die Mannschaft can save a point and condemn their hosts to a losing Nations League campaign.

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